Confused Newbie for the win??

Well this is my first post.
I'll be honest I've been lurking on the Straight Razor place for a few weeks reading various posts and I finally decided I'd post something. I've always been interested in shaving with a straight razors.
When I first started shaving I found it very frustrating that those darn disposable razor cartridges always got jammed full of hairs after a few shaves. I thought to heck with this I want to shave properly. Well I've made it part of the way. I've been shaving with a Double Edged Merkur Razor for a bit under a year and just few months ago I started making my own lather. I think maybe I'd like to move up and buy my first straight razor. From what I've gathered on this site many people seem to recommend a pre-sharpened 5/8 Dovo razor. Does anyone else have any other suggestions? I guess i'm just looking for some help and given how everyone else in my family uses electric shavers I firgured someone on here could give me a hand.
Thanks,
Carter

My first razor was a Dovo 5/8th's. They make a good razor. You'll need a strop as well. The strop is used daily prior to shaving. You can practice on an old leather belt until you get the feel for it. The WIKI is full of info. I suggest you start there.
Welcome to the forum, feel free to pm me with any questions you may have...

Rich

+1 on Rich's offer to PM any questions. Also check out the WIKI as almost any question you may have can be answered there. If not just start a thread with your question and you get an answer from fellow members quicker than you can say 'How do you ......"

welcome to SRP

it all depends on your preferences and budget. if you want a new razor and have around $80-$150 for it then yes a 5/8 or 6/8 Dovo is a good choice, or one of the Bokers, although I haven't used the new production.
the other big manufacturer of razors is thiers-issard but their razors are a bit more expensive.
if the newness is not terribly important there's also the possibility of a vintage razor.
and yes, you also need a strop to maintain the edge sharp, otherwise it'll last just as long as a DE blade.

Welcome to SRP, Carter,

As gugi said, the bottom line Dovos ("Best Quality") are a good choice for starter razors. Some more points to consider can be found in this article which is also part of our beginners guide: Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Regards,
Robin

My first couple razors were 5/8 Dovo Best Quality and Blackstar. I also took liberty of acquiring a couple from Classifieds as well as ebay to practice honing on. This way the new razors can be used as benchmark and would provide you with idea as to how close your edge is compared to the new. If you don't want to do this, there are several reputable honemeisters here who offer their honing services in Classifieds as well. Best of luck

Another option for a razor is the classifieds, just make sure you are getting a shave ready razor.

I have a nice Dovo, a nice Jowika, a nice Wostenholm, and a nice generic razor. But my first straight razor came from our classifieds. Don't get hung up over name brands at this time. Get yourself a 5/8 or 6/8. Our members have reputations to keep so you will not be getting a piece of junk. Rather, it will be a good razor at great price. Once you start with something like that you will be in a far better position to decide what you really want. I'm not trying to discourage you. But you should try something a lot less expensive to use to figure out what you like in a razor... :gl:

Wow :)
I must say I was nervous for looking like a fool but all this helpful information. Thank you guys so much. I was amazed when I logged on this morning and saw how many people had responded to my question. Thanks for giving me many different starting points.
I'll let you guys know how it turns out.
-Carter

Welcome to SRP. Whatever you get 'shave ready' is essential. Dovo 5/8 is good IME. Check out the beginner's guide here if you haven't already. :gl:

Welcome to SRP. Best of luck in your new endeavor and if you have not received them already, be prepared for the blank stares from your family as they look at you as if you're are crazy for wanting to shave with a straight razor. Keep us posted on your "tools" and progress.